It is apparent that tattooing was widely
practiced in many cultures in the ancient world and was associated with a high
level of artistic endeavor. The imagery of ancient tattooing is very similar to
that of modern tattooing.

Throughout
history, tattooing, like other forms of body decoration, has been related to the
sensual, erotic, and emotional aspects of the psyche. Inca tattooing is
characterized by bold abstract patterns that resemble contemporary tribal tattoo
designs. Pazyryk tattoos are images of animals. Animals are the most frequent
subject matter of tattooing.

In many cultures tattoos are traditionally associated with magic, totems, and
the desire of the tattooed person to become identified with the spirit of the
animal. Tattooing in the ancient world had many things in common with modern
tattooing, and tattooing around the world has profound and universal psychic
origins.